Restore Your Confidence with Compassionate Breast Reconstructive Surgery
Expert, board-certified care by Dr. Basil Nwaoz. Natural-looking results that honor your journey and celebrate your strength. Serving New York, New Jersey, and Florida.
Reclaim Your Body. Celebrate Your Journey.
Breast reconstruction is more than a surgical procedure—it's an act of restoration and healing. Whether you've undergone mastectomy for breast cancer treatment, experienced trauma, or face congenital conditions, breast reconstruction can help you feel whole again.
Dr. Basil Nwaoz understands that every reconstruction journey is deeply personal. With advanced training in microsurgery and reconstructive techniques, he provides compassionate, individualized care that honors your unique story while delivering natural, beautiful results that last a lifetime.
Who Benefits from Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is designed for women who have experienced breast tissue loss or damage due to:
- Mastectomy following breast cancer diagnosis
- Lumpectomy requiring significant tissue removal
- Trauma or injury affecting breast tissue
- Congenital breast abnormalities
- Previous reconstruction requiring revision
What Makes Our Approach Different
Dr. Nwaoz combines surgical precision with an artist's eye, offering both implant-based and autologous (your own tissue) reconstruction options. His extensive experience with advanced microsurgical techniques, including DIEP flap procedures, allows for natural-looking results that restore not just appearance, but confidence and emotional well-being.
Every reconstruction plan is tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, cancer treatment timeline, and aesthetic goals—ensuring results that feel authentically you.
Why Choose Dr. Basil Nwaoz for Breast Reconstruction?
Advanced Surgical Expertise
Dr. Nwaoz is fellowship-trained in microsurgery and reconstructive techniques, bringing exceptional skill to complex procedures. His mastery of advanced flap techniques—including DIEP, TRAM, and latissimus dorsi—provides you with the full spectrum of reconstruction options.
Personalized Reconstruction Plans
No two patients are alike. We work closely with you and your oncology team to create a customized surgical plan that aligns with your cancer treatment timeline, body type, and personal goals. From immediate to delayed reconstruction, we guide you through every decision.
Natural, Lasting Results
Our goal is to restore not just breast shape, but natural proportion and symmetry. Whether using implants or your own tissue, Dr. Nwaoz's artistic approach creates results that look and feel natural—results that restore your sense of self and last a lifetime.
Comprehensive Care & Support
From your first consultation through complete healing, our dedicated team provides compassionate support every step of the way. We understand the emotional journey of reconstruction and are here to answer questions, address concerns, and celebrate your progress.
Insurance Coverage Expertise
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is covered by most major insurance providers under federal law. Our knowledgeable team handles insurance coordination, helping you understand your coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Convenient Multi-State Locations
With offices in Manhattan, Coral Gables, Miami Lakes, and Englewood Cliffs, we make it convenient for patients throughout the tri-state area and South Florida to access world-class reconstructive care close to home.
Your Reconstruction Options
Dr. Nwaoz offers comprehensive reconstruction techniques tailored to your unique needs, cancer treatment plan, and aesthetic goals.
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction uses saline or silicone breast implants to recreate breast volume and shape. This approach typically involves fewer incisions and a shorter recovery time than tissue-based reconstruction.
The Process: For many patients, reconstruction begins with a tissue expander placed during or after mastectomy. Over several weeks, the expander is gradually filled with saline to stretch the chest tissue and create space for the permanent implant. Once the desired size is achieved, the expander is replaced with a permanent silicone or saline implant in a second procedure.
Best For: Patients who prefer a less complex procedure, have adequate chest tissue, or cannot undergo lengthy surgeries due to medical considerations.
Recovery Time: Most patients return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, with full healing at 3 months.
Autologous Tissue Reconstruction (Flap Procedures)
Autologous reconstruction uses your own tissue—typically from the abdomen, back, or thighs—to create a natural breast. These advanced microsurgical procedures result in breasts that look, feel, and move like natural tissue.
DIEP Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator): The gold standard in autologous reconstruction. Dr. Nwaoz transfers skin, fat, and blood vessels from your lower abdomen to create a new breast—without sacrificing abdominal muscle. This technique provides natural results with the added benefit of a flatter abdomen.
TRAM Flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis): Similar to DIEP but includes a portion of abdominal muscle. Offers excellent blood supply for reliable healing.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Uses muscle and tissue from the back, often combined with an implant for adequate volume.
Best For: Patients seeking the most natural, long-lasting results who have adequate donor tissue and are healthy enough for longer surgery.
Recovery Time: Hospital stay of 3-5 days, return to light activities in 4-6 weeks, full recovery in 3-6 months.
Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction
Immediate Reconstruction: Performed during the same surgery as your mastectomy. Advantages include fewer surgeries, better cosmetic results, and reduced emotional impact of waking up without breasts.
Delayed Reconstruction: Performed months or years after mastectomy. This approach is often recommended if you require radiation therapy, as radiation can affect healing and implant success. Many patients choose delayed reconstruction to focus first on cancer treatment.
Dr. Nwaoz works closely with your oncology team to determine the optimal timing for your unique situation, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Your Reconstruction Journey with Dr. Nwaoz
From your first consultation to complete healing, we guide you through every step with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.
Comprehensive Consultation
Meet with Dr. Nwaoz to discuss your medical history, reconstruction goals, and all available options. We'll answer your questions, address concerns, and create a personalized surgical plan that aligns with your cancer treatment timeline.
Surgical Planning & Coordination
We coordinate with your oncology team to determine optimal timing. Our staff handles insurance pre-authorization and provides detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure you're fully prepared.
Reconstruction Surgery
Dr. Nwaoz performs your reconstruction with meticulous attention to detail, whether placing tissue expanders, permanent implants, or performing microsurgical flap procedures. Our goal is natural symmetry and proportion.
Recovery & Healing
We provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and close post-operative monitoring. Most patients experience manageable discomfort and see progressive improvement week by week as swelling subsides and final results emerge.
Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and allow us to address any concerns. For staged reconstructions, we'll schedule additional procedures as planned to complete your transformation.
Final Refinements
If desired, we can perform nipple reconstruction and areolar tattooing to complete your restoration. These finishing touches add natural detail and help you feel whole again.
Meet Dr. Basil Nwaoz
Board-certified cosmetic surgeon with specialized training in reconstructive microsurgery and a passion for helping patients reclaim their confidence after breast cancer.
Credentials & Training
- Board-Certified Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgeon
- Fellowship-trained in Advanced Microsurgery Techniques
- Specialized training in DIEP Flap and Autologous Reconstruction
- 200+ Successful Breast Reconstructions Performed
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Published researcher in plastic surgery journals
- Dedicated to patient-centered, compassionate care
- Fluent in surgical innovation and timeless aesthetic principles
Dr. Nwaoz combines technical excellence with genuine compassion, understanding that breast reconstruction is about more than restoring appearance—it's about helping patients feel like themselves again. His meticulous approach and artistic vision have helped hundreds of women reclaim their confidence and celebrate their strength.
Patient Stories: Restoration & Hope
Hear from women who have completed their reconstruction journey with Dr. Nwaoz.
"Dr. Nwaoz gave me back more than I ever thought possible. His skill with the DIEP flap procedure created results that look and feel completely natural. More importantly, his compassion and support throughout the entire process made me feel cared for as a person, not just a patient."
"After my bilateral mastectomy, I was devastated. Dr. Nwaoz and his team walked me through every option with patience and understanding. My reconstruction exceeded my expectations—I feel whole again. The entire staff made this difficult journey so much easier."
"I chose delayed reconstruction after radiation, and Dr. Nwaoz's expertise made all the difference. He took the time to answer every question and addressed all my concerns. My results are beautiful and natural-looking. I finally feel like myself again."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?
Yes. Under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, most insurance plans are required to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy, including surgery on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry. Our experienced team handles all insurance coordination and pre-authorization to maximize your coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
How long does recovery take after breast reconstruction?
Recovery varies by procedure type. Implant reconstruction typically requires 4-6 weeks for initial healing, while autologous tissue reconstruction (flap procedures) may take 6-8 weeks before returning to normal activities. Most patients see continued improvement over 3-6 months as swelling subsides and final results emerge. Dr. Nwaoz provides detailed recovery guidelines tailored to your specific procedure.
Should I have immediate or delayed reconstruction?
The timing depends on your cancer treatment plan and personal preferences. Immediate reconstruction (performed during mastectomy) offers fewer surgeries and may provide better cosmetic results. However, if you require radiation therapy, delayed reconstruction is often recommended as radiation can affect implant success and healing. Dr. Nwaoz works closely with your oncology team to determine the optimal timing for your situation.
Will my reconstructed breast look natural?
Yes. Dr. Nwaoz's artistic approach focuses on creating natural symmetry, proportion, and appearance. Autologous tissue reconstruction often provides the most natural look and feel since it uses your own tissue. However, modern implant techniques also achieve excellent, natural-looking results. During consultation, we'll discuss which approach best suits your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
What is DIEP flap reconstruction?
DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap is an advanced microsurgical technique that uses skin, fat, and blood vessels from your lower abdomen to reconstruct the breast—without taking abdominal muscle. This results in a natural-feeling breast while also providing a flatter abdomen (similar to a tummy tuck). DIEP flap is considered the gold standard in autologous reconstruction, though it requires specialized microsurgical expertise that Dr. Nwaoz possesses.
How many surgeries will I need?
Breast reconstruction is often performed in stages. Implant reconstruction typically requires at least two procedures: tissue expander placement followed by permanent implant exchange. Autologous reconstruction may be completed in a single surgery or require additional refinement procedures. If you desire nipple reconstruction, that's an additional outpatient procedure. Dr. Nwaoz will outline your complete surgical plan during consultation.
Will I have sensation in my reconstructed breast?
Sensation varies by procedure and individual healing. Mastectomy typically results in loss of nipple sensation. However, some feeling may return to the breast skin over time (6-12 months). In DIEP flap procedures, Dr. Nwaoz often reconnects nerves to restore some sensation. While reconstructed breasts won't have the same sensitivity as natural breasts, many patients do regain some feeling as nerves regenerate.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your medical records including pathology reports, treatment summaries from your oncologist, and imaging results (mammograms, MRIs). Also bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any questions you have. If possible, bring a trusted friend or family member for support and to help remember details discussed during your consultation.
Convenient Locations Serving NY, NJ & FL
Access world-class breast reconstruction close to home at any of our four convenient locations.
Begin Your Restoration Journey Today
You deserve to feel whole, confident, and beautiful. Let Dr. Basil Nwaoz and our compassionate team guide you through every step of your breast reconstruction journey. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options and take the first step toward reclaiming your body and your confidence.
Most consultations are scheduled within 24-48 hours. We work with your oncology team to coordinate optimal timing for your reconstruction. All major insurance plans accepted.